J9 Dockwalk's Blog

From the unimaginable, like mermaids and robotic crewmembers, to the everyday, such as happy working stews, this year’s Fort Yachtie-Da Film festival covered it all. Turned out in the style of Truman Capote’s black-and-white masked balls from the 1960s, yachties came out in elegant droves to view their fellow crewmembers’ cinematographic achievements. And achievements they were, from moving documentaries to hilarious spoofs of crew life, they showcased the originality of life on a yacht. Sixteen Oscars, a delightful fish statue awarded to crew for first, second and third in six categories (Comedy, Action, Yachtie Lifestyle, Documentary, Sponsor Infomercial and Best Overall) not to be confused with the Oscars for Hollywood films, were given out while attendees enjoys cocktails and snacks behind their masks.

The film festival benefited Kids in Distress, a local Fort Lauderdale charitable organization. A percentage of each ticket sold went to the charity. In the name of giving, Ryan Sputh graciously offered his second place winnings of $250 for MTV Cabins in the comedy category and Gui Garcia kindly donated his $1,250 winnings for Best Overall, which was awarded to Mermaid. Mermaid also took second in the Action category.